Requirements

To become a EcoRing Partner a business must meet EcoRing’s GREEN BUSINESS CERTIFICATION standards or, alternately, hold certification for one of the following:

Organic Farming

California Green Business

Green Restaurant

EcoRing recognizes that improving a business’s environmental record is a journey, not a destination. New understanding and new technologies make “green” a moving target. We also recognize the financial constraints that limit what is possible for businesses to do and how fast.

Therefore, EcoRing bases its Green Business Certification on a principle of continuing improvement. EcoRing will certify a business that commits to greening one aspect of its operations from each of three categories each year on an ongoing basis. EcoRing will schedule an interview and develop with the business a Plan of Action specifying each measure to be taken that year. In successive years EcoRing will schedule an audit to confirm that the specified measures were completed and set new goals for the next year.

Energy Conservation

Electricity:

Install LED lighting wherever possible

Install solar panels

Change to Sonoma Green Power

Water Heating:

Install tank blanket

Install on-demand water heater

Install solar water heating

Space Heating:

Install weather stripping

Install insulation

Install double-pained windows

Install EPA-approved wood stove (where permissible)

Transportation:

Provide van service for guests

Provide complementary bicycles to guests

Convert to electric service vehicles

Use rakes not leaf blowers

Use electric trimmers and lawn mowers

Water Conservation

Install low-flush toilets

Install low-flow shower heads

Check for and fix leaks

Install rain water catchment

Use drought resistant landscaping

Install swales to concentrate rainwater on plants

Use permeable surfaces for paths and parking areas

Meter water use

Install moister sensing irrigation shutoffs

Recycling, Waste Reduction and Toxics Reduction

Provide recycling receptacles

Contract with a trash hauler that sorts trash

Avoid plastic items where possible

Use recycled materials for construction

Use washable utensils and dinnerware

Use recycled and recyclable products

Use nontoxic cleaning and garden supplies B

Cost

Businesses with 0-2 employees $65 per year

Businesses with 3-15 employees $100 per year

Businesses with 16 or more employees $200 per year

Apply for Partnership

To apply for Partnership email Rick Coates at EcoRing at with the following information:

Business name *

Name of contact person *

First

Last

E-mail *

Best days and times for an interview? *

Phone

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